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Tough Multimaterial Interfaces through Wavelength-Selective 3D Printing
Neil D Dolinski1,2, E Benjamin Callaway1, Caitlin S Sample1,2
1Materials Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|April 30, 2021
Summary
This study introduces wavelength-selective photocuring to create strong interfaces in 3D-printed multimaterial objects. This method enhances mechanical properties by forming interpenetrating polymer networks, improving additive manufacturing capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Interfaces in synthetic materials are often weak points, unlike robust natural systems.
- Developing strong interfaces between dissimilar materials is crucial for advanced material applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for creating tough, well-defined interfaces between chemically distinct polymer domains.
- To leverage wavelength-selective photocuring for enhanced mechanical properties in multimaterial 3D printing.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing visible light with different wavelengths to trigger specific polymerization reactions (green light for acrylates, blue light for epoxies and acrylates).
- Employing orthogonal cationic and radical polymerization processes initiated by distinct light wavelengths.
- Characterizing interfaces using printed test structures, analyzing chemical composition, localized mechanical properties, and bulk fracture strength.
Main Results:
- Successfully produced multimaterial objects with strong interfaces between chemically distinct domains.
- Demonstrated that a continuous acrylate network bridging domains contributes to improved interface mechanical strength.
- Validated the wavelength-selective photocuring approach through localized and bulk mechanical testing.
Conclusions:
- Wavelength-selective photocuring of interpenetrating polymer networks is an effective strategy for enhancing interface strength in 3D-printed objects.
- This technique offers a promising pathway for advancing light-based additive manufacturing technologies.
- The ability to create robust interfaces opens new possibilities for designing complex multimaterial systems.
